The Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture kicks off its virtual 2020 conference today, coinciding directly with the launch of the organization’s new conference platform, Distributed Proximities. (ACADIA’s workshops took place over the weekend, Oct. 24-25.) Chicago-based designer Oliver Popadich developed the platform in collaboration ACADIA’s 2020 conference chairs, creating “an interactive visualization of the research presented and discussed at this year’s ACADIA conference,” according to an announcement from the organization.
The platform, which relies upon machine learning to analyze and organize conference content, organizes all the research presented into four different modules—Papers, Projects, Field Notes, and Videos—visualizing each one as a network of 3D, interconnecting nodes. Users and conference attendees can click through the nodes to read abstracts and see how the presentations connect to other research presented at the conference.
The platform also acts as a digital pathway for conference attendees, integrating Zoom links and webinars for the scheduled events. Attendees can access the conference events, which include keynotes, award presentations, and workshops, through Nov. 30.
Registration is still open for ACADIA’s 2020 conference here.